PUBLIC REMARKS RULE CHANGE
ARMLS Rule 11.6 and the Inappropriate Language Policy, Section 1 were changed to redefine the use of the Public Remarks field to more accurately describe the property’s physical traits, attributes, surroundings of the property location, and specifics related to the transactional preference or buyer incentives.
The rules prohibit entering property access information (gate, lockbox or alarm codes), open house or showing information, and contact information, including individual names, entity names, phone numbers, email addresses, and websites in the public remarks field (not exhaustive list).
EXAMPLE PHRASES
Allowed in Public Remarks
- Sold AS IS
- No HOA! or FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP available with home ownership, club approval required
- Offering 1/7 fractional ownership
- Seller is offering $X towards buyer’s closing costs, or to buy down a buyer’s interest rate
- $X closing cost incentive if closed by XX/XX/XXXX
- Ask your agent for walk-through videos and how you can lock this home up now
- No Showings!
- Welcome Home!
- Attention INVESTORS!
NOT allowed in Public Remarks
- Solar panels $X/month
- Call me (or list agent, or individual name) for exclusive details
- Call to schedule your private showing!
- Come to our Open House on XX/XX!
- Offering credit towards buyer’s loan rate with (company name)
- See more community features at (URL or communitywebsite.com)
- Long time empty nester owners
- Agent Bonus of $XXX!
- Preferred Title XXX please contact XXX at XXX-XXX-XXXX.
- Please submit your offer at (enter website)
- Schedule your viewing today!
FAQ
Why was the change made to the public remarks rule?
The reason is the desire and request to have the Public Remarks field more accurately described and solely focused on the property physical traits, attributes, the surroundings, and the property location.
Who approved the changes?
The ARMLS Rules Committee evaluated the current rules and use of the Public Remarks field. They recommended the ARMLS Board of Directors (BOD) to have the Public Remarks field more accurately described the property physical traits, attributes, surroundings, its location and transactional preferences of the listing. The BOD approved the rule change and allowed a 6-month educational period and fine abatement from the rule publication date.
Does this rule change also apply to the Supplement remarks?
Yes. The Supplements is an extension of the Public Remarks field.
How do I report a listing that is in violation with the rule change?
Use the Report an Error form, see the ARMLS- How to Report an Error on a Listing article.
SUBMIT PHRASE FOR REVIEW
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